Saturday, April 12, 2025

Matters of the Heart: Dressed for Battle

 

Putting on the Whole Armor of God 


"Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil..." – Ephesians 6:11

Morning Reflection:

Each morning as I rise, I fix my mind on more than just what to wear—I prepare my heart and soul for the day ahead. I get dressed not just in clothes but in spiritual armor because I know the enemy does not wait for an invitation. The day will bring challenges, distractions, and sometimes discouragement. But when I walk covered in God’s armor, I can stand.

The Armor Breakdown:

Belt of Truth

I fasten Truth around my waist. God’s Word is my foundation. I will not be swayed by lies or confusion.

Breastplate of Righteousness

I cover my heart with Christ's righteousness, and I am protected from shame, guilt, and accusation.

Shoes of the Gospel of Peace

I step into my day, ready to walk in peace and share it. His Word guides my steps.

Shield of Faith

I carry faith as my defense. It extinguishes fear, doubt, and fiery attacks from the enemy.

Helmet of Salvation

I protect my mind. I remember who I am and whose I am. My thoughts are renewed in Christ.

Sword of the Spirit

I hold onto God’s Word, ready to speak life, declare promises, and fight with the Truth.

Prayer

My connection to God is my lifeline. I stay alert, pray always, and remain in constant communion with the One who goes before me.

Heart Note:

This armor isn’t for decoration—it’s for warfare. And the battlefield is often invisible. That’s why each piece matters. It covers the most vulnerable areas of our lives. My heart, my mind, my steps, my faith. I put it on intentionally—because my life depends on it.

Understanding the Word “Stand” in Ephesians 6

In Ephesians 6:11, Paul says:
"Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil."

The Greek Word used here is "histēmi" (
στημι),
which means:
- To hold your ground
- To be established
- To set yourself firmly and be immovable
- To resist or withstand pressure


So, when Paul says "stand", he’s saying:

"Be prepared. Stay rooted. Don’t retreat. Take your place in the battle, and refuse to be moved by fear, lies, or temptation."

It’s an action of spiritual courage, not passivity.

Reflection Questions 

•How do I prepare myself spiritually each morning before stepping into my day? 
(Am I dressing for battle or rushing into the day uncovered?)
Which piece of the armor of God do I tend to overlook or forget? 
(Why might that be, and how can I be more intentional?)
What does “stand” mean to me in my current season of life?              (Am I resisting the pressure to give in, give up, or go back?)
How can I use prayer as my daily weapon and shield? 
(Do I talk to God throughout the day or only during specific moments?)
Have I allowed any part of my heart to remain exposed? 
(What can I surrender to God today so I can be fully covered?)
When was the last time I truly saw God fight for me when I stood firm? 
(What did that moment teach me about trust and endurance?)



Click the link above for the recipe.

Matters of the Heart - God's Pantry

 


God's Pantry: Stocked with Promises, Power, and Provision

“A believer’s best asset is a well-stocked spiritual pantry—filled with God’s Word, His promises, His commandments, and the overflow of His blessings.”

Just like a home cook leans on a well-stocked pantry to whip up nourishing meals, we as believers must lean on the spiritual pantry God has given us. His pantry never runs out—it’s stocked with everything we need to nourish our souls and stand strong:

  • His Word is the main ingredient.
  • His commandments are the recipe.
  • His promises are the seasoning- Faith, Hope, Love, Peace, Promises.
  • His blessings are the sweet overflow.

The difference is that we don’t stock this pantry ourselves—God fills it. Our part is to open it daily, use what’s inside, and trust that what He has provided is more than enough.

Pantry Scriptures to Stock Your Spirit

Deuteronomy 8:3

“Man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the Lord.”

Matthew 6:11

“Give us this day our daily bread.”

Psalm 34:8

“Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!”

John 6:35

“I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.”

Isaiah 55:2

“Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, and let your soul delight itself in abundance.”


Fall Nights 3 Bean Chili  

Click the link above for the recipe.

Thursday, April 10, 2025

Matters of the Heart - Daily Wisdom

 


Daily Wisdom 

Luke 10:27-28 - ASV  - "The Call To Love" (Enjoy Active, Blessed, Endless Life in The Kingdom of God)

The Parable of The Good Samaritan

27 And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself. 

28 And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live.

Key Take Aways

  • Love is a constant theme throughout the Bible.
  • While it may seem like an easy command to follow with little effort, it is the opposite.
  • In reality, this "Call to Love" is more challenging than I realized in my life.
  • Why? Because it requires a great measure of trust to humble myself so that I can love others regardless.
  • This is an act of service that I must choose to put the needs of others above my own. (This is Tough Love)
  • But as I continue to take this adventure of faith in God, I pray daily to find a deeper desire to love sacrificially or unconditionally.
  • My petition to God is that I love the Lord with all my heart, soul, and strength. Then, I will learn to love others unconditionally, just like God loves me.
  • I must receive daily fresh revelation about God's love in the fertile soil of my heart and let His word create in me a resilience of love without condition.


My Prayer Today

Lord, help me love You, myself, and others in extraordinary ways. Jesus' name, Amen!